Saturday, September 1, 2012

FROM ACPS:

FIRST
PLANETARIUM SHOW SALUTES MANNED SPACE EXPLORATION

Sept. 22 marks the end of
Astronomical Summer, one of the driest in years, which featured the hottest
July on record. Join Planetarium Director Bob Nicholson at 7 p.m. on Tuesday,
Sept. 25, for the first show of the season. The program will feature a salute
to manned space exploration, a highly interactive and kid-friendly activity
called "The Reason for the Seasons," an explanation of why fall
begins on Sept 22 no matter what the weather is like and a concluding
"Walk across the September Sky."

As Monday is Labor Day, registration
will open at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Enrollment is limited to the first 35
people who register online or by calling the planetarium at
703-824-6805, extension 6300. To allow more people access to the planetarium
shows, please note that we cannot honor bulk requests for tickets. Please order
only the number of tickets you need for your family. For additional
information, please email planetarium@acps.k12.va.us or call Bob
Nicholson at 703-824-6805, extension 6300.

LIBRARY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Saturday, September 8, 11:00am to 4:00pm. Join us for a variety of events celebrating the Library's 75th birthday. Couponing Workshop with Laura Harders, the "Beltway Bargain Mom" from 10:00 to 11:00am; Technology Zoo from 11:00am to noon, bring your e-readers for hands-on help or learn more about the latest gadgets; Project Natale from 1:00 to 2:00pm, featuring live jazz music; Kofi Dennis from 3:00 to 4:00pm, an interactive drum performance with stories for all ages.

ELECTION MOVIE SERIES Sunday, September 9, 2:00 to 4:00pm. Just in time for campaign season! Join us for a Sunday matinee series featuring films with political themes. We will be showing a PG-13 movie. Call 703-746-1702 for info. Located in the Large Meeting Room. Sponsored by the Friends of Beatley Central Library.

AUTHOR EVENT- BROOKE STODDARD Wednesday, September 12, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Local author will speak about the major events of World War II that occurred in September. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

LATIN AMERICAN BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP Thursday, September 13, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Discussions are in English. For stories in Spanish and English, please contact the adult services /reference desk: 703-746-1702 ext. 3.

BLOCKBUSTER THURSDAY Thursday September 13, 6:30 to 8:30pm. Join us for a screening of a hit movie. Call 703-746-1702 for info. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

ELECTION MOVIE SERIES Sunday, September 16, 2:00 to 4:00pm. We will be showing a PG-13 movie. Call 703-746-1702 for info. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

BLUEPRINT FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS Tuesday, September 18, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Learn how to create a budget and manage your cashflow. All participants will receive a free workbook courtesy of New York Life. Located in the Large Meeting Room. Event is sponsored by the Friends of Beatley Central Library.

GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION GROUP Thursday, September 20, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

ELECTION MOVIE SERIES Sunday, September 23, 2:00 to 4:00pm. We will be showing a movie, Rated R. Call 703-746-1702 for more info. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

OVERDRIVE DIGITAL BOOKMOBILE Tuesday, September 25, 1:00 to 7:00pm. Want to learn about the future of reading? Come check out the Digital Bookmobile, a futuristic exhibit showcasing how to download digital titles which can be accessed anytime or anywhere with just a library card and an Internet-connected computer or device. Located in the parking lot.

RAISING FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE CHILDREN Tuesday, September 25, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Learn how to create a budget and manage Learn how to teach your children about the value and responsible use of money. All participants will receive a free workbook courtesy of New York Life. Located in the Large Meeting Room. Event is sponsored by the Friends of Beatley Central Library.

AUTHOR EVENT- DR. RICARDO LASSO Wednesday, September 26, 7:00 to 8:30pm. Local author will speak about his book, Democracy On Trial. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

ELECTION MOVIE SERIES Sunday, September 30, 2:00 to 4:00pm. We will be showing a movie, Rated R. Call 703-746-1702 for info. Located in the Large Meeting Room.

TALKING BOOKS SERVICETalking Book Service (TBS) is a free service for the blind, physically and/or visually impaired or learning disabled. Please call Loni McCaffrey for more info: 703-746-1760.

*PAWS TO READ Thursdays, September 6 & 20, 5:30 to 6:30pm. Sign up to read to a dog! On the first and third Thursday of the month, some friendly dogs are coming to the Beatley Central Library to listen to their human buddies read to them. Pre-registration required; to register for a 15 minute slot, call 703.746.1702 x5. For ages 6-12.

BABY TIME Mondays, September 10, 17 & 24, 11:00 to 11:30am. Songs, fingerplays and bounces aimed at babies under 1 year old with their adults. Ages 0 to 11 months.

*PAWS TO READ Tuesdays, September 11 & 25, 5:30 to 6:30pm. Call 703-746-1783 to register for a 15-minute slot. Grades 1 to 6.

PAJAMA STORY TIME Wednesday, September 12, 7:00 to 7:30pm. Come listen to two or three bedtime stories read to you. Ages 3 to 7 without an adult.

VISIT FROM ANIMAL SHELTER Monday, September 17, 3:30 to 4:00pm. Employee from the city's Animal Shelter comes to talk about animals they have at the Animal Shelter; talk encompasses habits and care and maybe training of animals. Usually they bring a live animal or two with them. Grades K-5 only.

STORIES AND SONGS IN SPANISH Monday, September 17, 10:00 to 10:30am. Two or three stories and/or books read in Spanish along with songs, rhymes and fingerplays all in Spanish. Ages 0 to 5.

NATURE PROGRAM Wednesday, September 19, 3:30 to 4:15pm. For ages 6 to12 only.

GERMAN STORY TIME Monday, September 24, 10:00 to 10:30am. Stories, fingerplays, and songs all done in German. Ages 1 to 5.

BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, September 8, All day. Help us celebrate our 75th Birthday: We were founded as a subscription library in 1794, but we've been Alexandria's public library since 1937.

BOOK SALE Saturday, September 8, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Buy good quality used books and media and support the Friends of the Barrett Branch Library. $3.00 for Hardcover books, DVDs and CDs; $2.00 for Paperback books, and VHS tapes.

TIME TRAVEL September 8, 11:00am to noon. Time travel back through Alexandria's history with Photo Librarian Julia Downie. Explore our history through archival photos from the turn of the 20th Century through the 1950s. To register call 703-746-1714 or emailhmartyn@alexandria.lib.va.us (A Barrett Branch and Special Collections joint event.)

TIME TRAVEL BOOK CLUB:1937 Saturday, September 8, 3:00 to 4:00pm. Turn back time and come discuss the books our founders would have been reading! Of Mice and Men, The Hobbit, The Years, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Death on the Nile are just a few of the classics that were first published in 1937. To register, call 703-746-1714 or email hmartyn@alexandria.lib.va.us

LET'S TALK BOOKS Monday, September 10, 7:00 to 8:00pm. Discuss The Cat's Table, by Michael Ondaatje, the author of The English Patient. To register, call 703-746-1703 or email vpowers@alexandria.lib.va.us

CRAFT NIGHT Tuesday, September 18, 7:00 to 8:00pm. Do you knit, crochet or sew? Join us to meet other crafters, share your love of yarn, thread and fabric, or even learn a new skill. Participants must bring their own supplies. To register, call 703-746-1714, or emailhmartyn@alexandria.lib.va.us

MANY BACKGROUNDS, MANY STORIES: STORYTIME FOR ADULTS Wednesday, September 19, 2:00 to 3:00pm. Listening to stories read aloud is a pleasure for listeners of all ages. Join us for a different kind of Storytime-- one for adults! Librarians will read short stories by Hispanic authors in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS

READ, SING, PLAY, BABY! Mondays, September 10, 17 & 24, 4:00 to 5:00pm. Songs, games & fun for babies and their parents/caregivers, including free play time with toys. Ages 0-11 months.

Bellacara703-299-9652, 1000 King Streetwww.bellacara.comBellacara will offer complimentary make-overs and a special promotion to shoppers during Fashion's Night Out Alexandria.

bishop boutique571-312-0042, 815b King Streetwww.bishopboutique.comBishop Boutique will be hosting two trunk shows: Elaine Turner and Julie Collection. These two amazing designers will showcase their amazing new fall collections! Bishop will also have Sip & Sale all day!

Current Boutique703.549.2272, 1009 King Streetwww.currentboutique.comShop with Current Boutique for Fashion's Night Out! Stop in, shop and mingle with the Current Boutique girls for some champagne and cupcakes. You will also receive a free gift with purchase.

Diva703.683.1022, 116 S. Pitt Streetwww.divaboutiqueva.comDiva will be open until 10(ish) pm, featuring:~First, we will have our very own jewelery maven, Leda, coming with some one-of-a-kind new pieces. You won't want to miss it. Plus...receive 10% off jewelry--you know that doesn't happen--ever!!!~Christy Monaco, certified stylist from The Stylist Online, will be here, demonstrating the "Style Dial" system. This innovative program shows clients the cuts of dresses, shirts, pants, jeans and accessories to wear to make the absolute most of the body type Mother Nature endowed you with--pear, hourglass, short-waisted--come get your complimentary "Style Dial" analysis!~Finally, we will have beverages, one-night only specials, and a raffle for Diva Dollars.

fibre space

703.664.0344, 102 North Fayette Streetwww.fibrespace.comfibre space will feature several designer trunk shows for Fashion's Night Out! Come to the shop to see garments from the Brooklyn Tweed Wool People 3 collection and well as garments and accessories from Spud and Chloe and Blue Sky Alpacas. Wear your favorite hand knit or crochet garment and walk our red carpet or show it off in the store while shopping. We will award prizes in various categories for every item brought in during Fashion's Night Out!

Gossypia

703.836-6969, 325 Cameron Streetwww.gossypia.comGossypia will stage an in-store fashion show featuring Lee Andersen ensembles for special occasions from 6-8 p.m. during Fashion's Night Out Alexandria. They will also have light refreshments and everything in the store will be 10% off for that evening only. Plus the store will o raffle off a Gift Certificate.

Hooray for Books!

703.548.4092, 1555 King Streetwww.hooray4books.comFor this special evening, we will offer a variety of fashion craft activities from 5-10 p.m. for children ages 3 and up to make--and wear--their own kingly crown, ballerina tiara, cowboy hat, princess tiara or bling bracelet! We'll also host a "Storytime at the Palace" from 6:30-7 p.m. for the tiniest princes and princesses (ages 3 and under) and a "Posh Pajama Storytime" (with puppets on hand - no pun intended) from 7:15-7:45 p.m. for ages 3-6.

La Cuisine703-836-4435, 323 Cameron Streetwww.lacuisineus.comHost to the exclusive Northern Virginia launch of the Marcy Butler design group. These aprons are designed and made in the USA from Italian linen with beautiful colors and styles to achieve both function and fashion in the kitchen. Marcy has included designs for children too. Please come join us in toasting this exclusive launch with Virginia bubbly.

Mint Condition703-836-6468, 114 S. Royal Streetwww.shopmintcondition.comBubbles and Bargains! This Fashion’s Night Out shop top labels without spending designer dollars… while sipping Mint themed champagne cocktails! Shoppers can also enjoy hors d'oeuvres and special promotions on Mint Condition's already fabulous prices.

Mystique Jewelers703.836.1401, 211 The Strandwww.mystiquejewelers.comMystique Jewelers will be hosting its Fashion’s Night Out event starting at noon and filming its new commercial. It will be a glamorous and fun-filled evening with Alberto Parada, red carpet jewelry designer to the stars of Beverly Hills "Housewives" plus a South American wine tasting and fashion show on the boardwalk runway with Union of Angels clothing line presented by Cindy Bapst, the founder and creative talent behind Union of Angels.

Olio Tasting Room703.299.3004, 1223 King Streetwww.oliotastingroom.comOlio Brings Stella & Dot to Fashions Night Out! We are all about delighting your senses of taste & smell at Olio Tasting Room with our delicious olive oils and vinegars. On Fashions Night out we’ll also be delighting your sense of fashion with super-stylish Stella & Dot jewelry! Sue Cantrell with Stella & Dot will be displaying her beautiful wares between 6 and 10 p.m. Stop by to browse beautiful necklaces, earrings & bracelets while you dip fresh breads with olive oils & vinegars! A double delight!

Join us for a trunk show with THE SHIRT by Rochelle Behrens. Enjoy 10% off THE SHIRT purchases.

Pretty People Vintage

703.739.2522, 108 N. Patrick Streetprettypeoplevintage.comPretty People Vintage will be celebrating 100 years of fashion with a specialty cocktail, our fall preview, promotional pricing throughout the store, plus a mystery designer drawing!

Red Barn Mercantile

703.838.0355, 1117 King Streetwww.redbarnmercantile.comDress your bed! Come see the latest fashions from some of your favorite bedding lines like Pine Cone Hill, Matteo Home and John Robshaw. Enter our drawing for prizes like a free bedroom design consultation and a set of comfy Pine Cone Hill sheets.

The Christmas Attic

703.548.2829, 125 S. Union Streetwww.christmasattic.comWe will be holding a truck show of all of our popular and fashionable themed holiday ornaments (from stilettos, handbags, fashion plate models, etc). We will also have informal modeling of some wearable art fashions from our world bizarre collection. Shoppers will receive a free gift with purchase.

The Dog Park703.888.2818, 705 King Street"Doggie Fashion Show" - Come by The Dog Park to see the latest Fall Fashions for your Furry Friend. "Dog Models" will be on hand throughout the evening to help with fit for your Fido. Light refreshments will be served for both human and pets alike.

The Shoe Hive

703.548.7105, 127 S. Fairfax Streetwww.theshoehive.comDuring Fashions Night Out Alexandria, join us for cocktails in the courtyard, prize drawings and a trunk show by Alexandria jewelry line Toka + Chris by designers Maritoka Palmer and Christine Stanton.

Today's Cargo703.836.6866, 1102 King Streetwww.todayscargo.comPraha Jewelry Design Trunk Show: Come for a special night full of sparkly baubles and bubbles. Today's Cargo will be featuring the unique, hand-crafted pieces from a local jewelry designer, Tracey Navratil, a Del Ray resident. She specializes in sterling silver and gold-filled earrings and necklaces accented with beautiful semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, and Swarovski crystals. Tracey will be here to sell her jewelry and to take any custom orders. Light refreshments will be served.

Slip on your party shoes, a fab frock and oversized sunglasses - then grab the girls and get ready to shop & sip fizzy drinks at the FNO soiree of the season! Even Holly Golightly would be jealous of the pretty pieces we have in store for you at Zoe, darlings. Pop by for prosecco and cake pops, prizes and party favors. Enter our très chic raffle for a chance to win purses, beaded bracelets, fashion films fit for a fashion icon, and (gasp!) a $200 gift certificate to Zoe! Fan us on Facebook to get your pre-FNO fashion fix, event updates and other treats: https://www.facebook.com/shopatzoe.

I'd just like to say that I'm really disappointed in our Governor for calling a special election to be held on the first day of school.

He knows when the 1st day of school is for public schools in VA, he won't let us change it!
He knows that schools are the polling places for most precincts in VA.

So, on Tuesday, the first day of school, people will be going to the polls.
Strangers will be in the schools, in the school parking lots, and on the school grounds.
Students won't know where they are supposed to be or who their teacher or classmates are.
Teachers won't know their classes or students in their classes.

Here are ten tips to help you get off to a good start at the beginning of the new school year.

1. Help Your Child Deal with Transitions.Is your child making the transition from preschool to kindergarten, from elementary to middle school, or from middle school to high school? Plan to take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of school.

2. Reread your child’s IEP.Do you understand what the school agreed to provide? Do your child's teachers understand what they are to provide?

3. Meet with your child’s teacher(s) to discuss your child’s special needs.Take a picture of your child to the meeting. Teachers are more likely to take a personal interest in your child and remember your child’s special needs if s/he has seen a picture of your child.

4. Take extra copies of your child’s IEP to the meeting with the teacher(s).Never assume that teachers have had time to read your child’s IEP before school begins. Teachers have many things to do as they prepare for the first day of school. The teacher may not understand how important the IEP is to your child’s success. Leave a copy of your child's IEP with each teacher.

5. Make a List of Important Things About Your Child .Make a list of the five most important things that the teacher(s) need to know about your child. Explain why these things are vital to your child’s success. Leave a copy of the list with each teacher.

6. Prepare to Deal with Potential Problems Early.If your child is in general education classes, prepare for the teacher(s) who wants to see how your child “gets along” before making any changes in the way they run their classrooms.

Teachers often take this position because they want to give their students a fresh start. You may need to explain why your child may fail unless the teacher understands his/her unique needs and provides the necessary services, accommodations and supports.

7. Resolve Old Concerns and Issues.If you have concerns or issues that were not resolved during the last IEP meeting, request another IEP meeting immediately. Try to resolve these issues and concerns before your child begins to have problems this year.

8. Get a New Assessment. Consider getting your child's skills tested very early in the school year. Where are your child's skills on standardized educational achievement tests? Use these scores as baseline data. You can compare these scores with scores obtained at the end of the year to measure your child’s progress. (See Chapter 8, Your Child's Evaluations, in Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy).

9. Go to your school’s Open House. In addition to giving you another chance to meet with your child's teachers (and make a good impression), teachers often explain their classroom rules during Open House. When you attend, you have a chance to see if your child may have trouble understanding the teachers' rules. You will also be in a better position to explain these rules to your child.

10. Get a bound notebook. Use the notebook as a “contact log” to send messages to the teachers. Write a sentence of two to the teacher(s) every day. Do not make your child the bearer of messages about problems at school. Make an extra copy of your log often in case the notebook is lost.

The 2008 Braddock Metro Neighborhood Plan (BMNP) recommends a 1-acre community park as part of proposed community amenities in the neighborhood. The recommended location is the block currently occupied by the Wythe Street Post Office(1100 Wythe Streetand 600A N. Henry Street) and 600 N. Henry Street. Since the Plan's approval by City Council, City staff has pursued the implementation of this recommendation - beginning with the acquisition of 600 N. Henry Street in March 2010. For a complete update, please refer to the City Staff Memorandum - Update on Status of BMNP Proposed Park, located on the project website (www.alexandriava.gov/Braddock).

This project will be discussed at a Braddock Implementation Advisory Group Meeting on Monday, September 24, 2012 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) at 7:00PM. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting agenda will include discussions on implementing the community park and the park planning process.

City of Alexandria to Hold Ninth Annual Alexandria Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 15

Treat your pooch to a summertime dip at the City of Alexandria’s Seventh Annual Doggie Day Swim on Saturday, September 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Old Town Pool, 1609 Cameron St. Following the end of the summer pool season, this annual event provides dogs with the opportunity to swim and play games in one of the City’s pools. This year, due to the generous donation by Your Dogs Best Friend, admission is free!

Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older, and cannot swim or enter the pool with their dogs. Dogs must be sociable and remain leashed while on the pool deck. All dogs should wear current vaccination tags or must have a current rabies certificate or letter from their veterinary stating that they have received the shots in order to gain entry to the event. Space is limited to 100 dogs in the pool area at one time. Register Online Now - activity number 140950.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Ralph Baird of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5435 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail ralph.baird@alexandriava.gov.

Alexandria Commission for the Arts Seeks Public Comment on Extension of Temporary Mural for Outdoor Gymnasium Wall at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts invites the public to provide comment on a proposed mural for the outdoor gymnasium wall at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The display will be available for review and comment from Tuesday, September 4 through Wednesday, September 19.

The Del Ray Mural was created by local artists and children in the community during the 2010 Art on the Avenue as temporary public art project. According to the City’s Policy on Acquired Art, temporary art is displayed for only two years. The Del Ray neighborhood has requested to extend this temporary mural until it deteriorates and needs to be replaced or painted over. Public comment is sought about this proposal to extend the life of the mural. All comments will be given to City Council in the fall when an extension is requested.

Comments can be offered at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, in a notebook near the display, during normal operating hours, or by email toaca@alexandriava.gov, with Del Ray Mural in the subject line. All comments received by September 19 will be reviewed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City’s Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Anne Colton with the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5565 (VA Relay 711) or e-mail cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.

City of Alexandria Announces Schedule of Services for Labor Day on September 3

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2012

All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Monday, September 3, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St.; the Flora Krause Casey Health Center, 1200 N. Howard St.; and the Teen Wellness Center at T.C. Williams High School (3330 King St.) will be closed.

Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline at 703.746.5800; the domestic violence hotline, 703.746.4911; the emergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline, 703.746.3401; and the sexual assault hotline,703.683.7273.

Libraries:All Alexandria Library branches will be closed from September 1 - 3.

Parking: On September 3, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions at metered spaces, as well as time restrictions in residential permit parking districts and other areas with signed parking time limits.

Recreation Centers: The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 3. All other City recreation centers will be closed.

Refuse Collection: Residential trash and recycling will not be collected on September 3. Scheduled collections will be delayed by one day during the week of September 3. The household hazardous waste and electronics recycling collection site will be open on September 1 and closed on September 3.

State Offices: The following Commonwealth of Virginia offices located in Alexandria will be closed on September 3: the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, the Clerk of Court Office, and the DMV Office at 2681 Mill Road.

Transit: Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule on September 3.

Dora Kelley Park Trail Re-Surfacing Project

In early August 2012, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities installed a pervious "Flexi-Pave" trail through Dora Kelley Park, improving the connection to Chambliss Park.

The surface material has continuous voids to allow stormwater to pass through, reducing the frequent flooding and erosion issues that had previously occurred along the trail. Additionally, the material used for the new trail is comprised of 1,597 recycled rubber passenger tires. If stacked in a landfill the tires would be 1,300 feet tall!